| sited like a beacon overlooking the quaint town of highlands, this majestic home named “chetolah” quietly reigns as a humble monarch. “chetolah,” from cherokee, is said to mean “a place of rest,” was built in 1892 by highlands’ second mayor, henry martin bascom, who came to highlands to regain his health. he established a series of businesses on the corner of main and fourth streets. he and his family prospered here. the bascoms accumulated nearly 20 acres of land for their new home on satulah mountain, which afforded dramatic views and lots of space to rest. the bascom’s daughter, louise, left highlands to attend college in salt lake city, where she met her future husband, george watson barratt. louise and watson moved to new york after college. she worked for several new york-based magazines, including harper’s. watson became the design director for the shubert theatre company of new york, where he designed sets and costumes, and even wrote for the theatre. when louise’s mother became ill, she and watson left new york and moved into chetolah to care for mrs. bascom. later, louise became ill and died; watson returned to new york to be close to friends there. he created a life estate for a friend, who lived in the family home until her death, at which time the estate was sold and the funds were used to create the louise-bascom gallery, located in the hudson library building on main street. the bascom-louise gallery later became the bascom: a center for the visual arts, in highlands. chetolah has been cared for by four families over the past several decades. under the design leadership of the celebrated designer, darren whatley, the home was completely rebuilt from the foundation up and from the inside out. four bedrooms in the manor house with extra bonus rooms for offices and quiet space, the guest house has two spacious bonus rooms with a full kitchen, bathroom and living room. given the extensive renovations and refurbishing in 2018-2019, the home will be a comfortable place of rest for many years to come. this incredible estate within walking distance to town is impossible to replicate or find. a very fortunate family will enjoy this legacy property for generations. | |
